2018 Kawasaki ZZR1400 vs 2017 KTM 1290 Super Duke GT

Full specifications comparison • 2 motorcycles

Comparing 2 motorcycles
2018 Kawasaki ZZR1400 2018 Kawasaki ZZR1400

Sport

Engine
In-line four, four-stroke
Power
N/A
Top Speed
N/A
Weight
590.8 pounds
2017 KTM 1290 Super Duke GT 2017 KTM 1290 Super Duke GT

Sport

Engine
75º V twin, 4 stroke, DOHC, 4 valve
Power
129 kW / 173 hp @
Top Speed
N/A
Weight
228 kg / 506 lbs
Full Specifications
General
CommentsSmall windscreen. Maximum power of 210 PS with RAM air.-
Year-2017
ColoursEmerald Blazed Green/Metallic Carbon Grey-
Make Model-KTM 1290 Super Duke GT
Dimensions
Ground Clearance (mm)125 mm-
Ground Clearance (in.)4.9 inches-
Seat Height800 mm / 31.5 in.835 mm / 32.9 in
Wheelbase1,480 mm / 58.3 in.1482 mm ±15 mm / 58.34 in ±0.59 in
Ground Clearance-140 mm / 5.5 in
Height1,170 mm / 46.1 in.-
Length2,170 mm / 85.4 in.-
Width770 mm / 30.3 in.-
Weights & Capacities
Fuel Capacity22.00 litres / 5.81 gallons23 Litres / 6.1 US gal
Wet Weight268.0 kg / 590.8 lbs228 kg / 506 lbs
Performance
Max Power-129 kW / 173 hp @
Max Torque158.20 Nm (16.1 kgf-m or 116.7 ft.lbs) @ 7500 Revolutions144 Nm / 14.68 kgf-m @
Engine
Displacement (cc)1441.00 cc-
Bore x Stroke (mm)84.0 x 65.0 mm-
Displacement (ci)87.93 cubic inches-
Engine TypeIn-line four, four-stroke-
Fuel ControlDouble Overhead Cams/Twin Cam (DOHC)-
Bore x Stroke (in,)3.3 x 2.6 inches-
CO2148.5 CO2 g/km. (CO2 - Carbon dioxide emission)-
Displacement-1301 cc / 79.4 cu in
Engine Detail-75º V twin, 4 stroke, DOHC, 4 valve
Fuel SystemInjection. Mikuni-
Bore x Stroke-108 x 71 mm
Compression Ratio12.3:1-
Cooling System-Liquid cooling
Engine LubricationForced lubrication, wet sump with oil cooler-
Fuel Consumption6.40 litres/100 km (15.6 km/l or 36.75 mpg)-
Fuel Induction-Keihin EFI, throttle body 56 mm
IgnitionDigitalKeihin EMS with RBW, dual ignition
Lubrication System-Pressure lubrication, 3 Eaton pumps
StarterElectricElectric
Valve System4-
EV Specifics
Battery Capacity-12V, 12 Ah
Drivetrain
ClutchWet multi-disc, manualPASC slipper, hydraulically operated
Final DriveChainChain
Gearbox6-speed-
Primary DriveSealed chain-
Transmission / Drive-6-Speed
Chassis
Frame TypeMonocoque, aluminiumChrome-moly steel trellis
Suspension - Front43 mm inverted fork with top-out springs Compression damping: 18-way Rebound damping: 15-way Spring preload: Fully adjustable.WP Semi-Active, ø 48 mm
Suspension - RearBottom-Link Uni-Trak, ?hlins TTX39 rear shock with piggyback reservoir and remote preload adjuster Compression Damping: 22-way Rebound Damping: 22-way Spring Preload: Fully adjustableWP Semi-Active monoshock, single sided swingarm
Rake23.0°24.9º
Trail93 mm / 3.7 in.107 mm / 4.2 in
Wheel Travel - Front117 mm / 4.6 in.125 mm / 4.9 in
Wheel Travel - Rear124 mm / 4.9 in.156 mm / 6.1 in
Wheels & Brakes
Brakes - Front Diameter (mm)310 mm-
Brakes - Rear Diameter (in.)9.8 inches-
Brakes - Rear Diameter (mm)250 mm-
Brakes - Front Diameter (in.)12.2 inches-
Brakes - FrontDouble disc. Dual radial-mount, opposed 4-piston, 4-pad.320 mm Dual floating discs, Brembo M50 4-piston calipers, ABS
Brakes - RearSingle disc. Opposed, twin-piston caliper.240 mm Single disc, 2-piston Brembo caliper, ABS
Tyres - Front120/70-ZR17120/70 ZR17, Pirelli Angel GT
Tyres - Rear190/50-ZR17190/55 ZR17, Pirelli Angel GT
Wheels - Front-Aluminium, 3.50 x 17"
Wheels - Rear-Aluminium, 6.00 x 17"

Verdict

Winner on specs

2017 KTM 1290 Super Duke GT

The 2017 KTM 1290 Super Duke GT edges out the 2018 Kawasaki ZZR1400 thanks to its liquid cooling, greater ground clearance, higher rear wheel travel and higher front wheel travel. Specifications are one part of the picture - dealer support, parts availability, and intended use all matter too.

Key Differences

2018 Kawasaki ZZR1400 - Advantages

  • Lower seat height: 800 mm vs 835 mm - accessible to a wider range of rider heights.
  • Dual front discs: Greater stopping power and better heat management under hard braking.

2017 KTM 1290 Super Duke GT - Advantages

  • Liquid cooling: Consistent engine temperature in stop-start traffic and hot climates.
  • More ground clearance: 140 mm vs 125 mm - better clearance over rocks and obstacles.
  • More rear wheel travel: 156 mm vs 124 mm - absorbs bigger hits and rough terrain better.
  • More front wheel travel: 125 mm vs 117 mm - greater compliance over rough surfaces.

2018 Kawasaki ZZR1400 vs 2017 KTM 1290 Super Duke GT - FAQs

What are the engine differences between the 2018 Kawasaki ZZR1400 and 2017 KTM 1290 Super Duke GT?
The 2018 Kawasaki ZZR1400 uses In-line four, four-stroke, while the 2017 KTM 1290 Super Duke GT is powered by 75º V twin, 4 stroke, DOHC, 4 valve.
Which bike is better for shorter riders, the 2018 Kawasaki ZZR1400 or the 2017 KTM 1290 Super Duke GT?
The 2018 Kawasaki ZZR1400 has the lower seat at 800 mm, making it more accessible. The 2017 KTM 1290 Super Duke GT sits higher at 835 mm. A seat height below 800 mm suits most riders; above 820 mm shorter riders may need to tiptoe.
Which should I buy, the 2018 Kawasaki ZZR1400 or the 2017 KTM 1290 Super Duke GT?
Both are strong choices. The 2018 Kawasaki ZZR1400 has the edge in lower seat height and dual front discs, while the 2017 KTM 1290 Super Duke GT stands out for liquid cooling and greater ground clearance. Visit dealers, arrange test rides, and factor in local parts and service costs - these often matter as much as the spec sheet.